Saturday, December 20, 2008

We thought you might want to know a little about the Best In Show judges slated for the San Mateo shows. As always, we are bringing you the facts, we are not implying, inferring, or predicting anything. Nonetheless, you have my permission to speculate and have fun.

One of our judges, Peter Baynes from Lyman SC, has not judged a Best In Show since November 2007 and will do the Sunday San Mateo KC event. Another, Stephen Hurt from Louisville KY, has judged one final this year, the San Mateo KC show on 22 March in Vallejo CA. At that show he chose the Giant Schnauzer, CH Gaililee’s Pure of Spirit in a final that included the Scottish Deerhound, CH Jaraluv Ouija, and the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug. Mr. Hurt is scheduled to do BIS at Saturday’s event hosted by the Kennel Club of Salinas. Scheduled to judge Monday’s Santa Cruz Kennel Club final is the poetically named Robert R. Frost. He has been in the big ring twice this year, where he tapped the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Torquay Demitrio, and the English Springer Spaniel, CH Tara’s Master of D Game. Neither of the shows included a top ten dog.

Robert R. Frost

Santa Cruz KC BIS Judge

By far the most interesting is Kimberly Anne Meredith-Cavanna, a local from Pleasant Hill CA. She has done six finals this year and in every one she saw one or more of our top ten dogs. At her first show of the year, on 13 January in Dallas TX, she gave the top prize to the Gordon Setter, Ch. Brodruggan Black Knight over the Affenpinscher, Taser. Two weeks later, at one of the country’s last benched shows, the Golden Gate KC, show at San Francisco’s Cow Palace, She chose the Deerhound, Ouija, over kennelmate, the Giant Schnauzer, Spirit. In March she was in the Midwest in Columbia MO and found the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry‘s Vanity Fair in a final without any other top ten dogs.

Kimberly Anne Meredith-Cavanna

Oakland KC BIS Judge

A month later, she was back in California for the Sierra-Tuolumne KC show in Merced. The Corgi, Carly, also made the trip, hoping for another big piece of silverware., as did Spirit and Ouija. However, it was the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, runing away with the big rosette that day. Three weeks later, Judge Meredith-Cavanna was in Delaware for the Wilmington KC show and the area’s two most prominent dogs were there, the Pointer, Ch Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, and the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo of Goodspice, and the Pointer prevailed on that day. At her most recent BIS assignment in Eugene OR on 4 September, she surprised some choosing the Affenpinscher over the Giant Schnauzer and the Scottish Deerhound.

What can one make of all this? Just one thing, you can never predict who’s going to win an AKC dog show.

Friday, December 19, 2008

One of our readers wants to know more about the AKC Breeder of the Year awards. This award recognizes breeders who have made outstanding contributions to the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. For every Best In Show winner we enjoy, there is a breeder who has spent years working on the improvement of their chosen breed. Last Sunday, at the glamorous venue of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, Joan Savage of Banks OR was named the 2008 AKC Breeder of the Year Award.

Joan Savage2008 AKC Breeder of the Year

Joan Savage has produced eight generations of more than 60 AKC champions with her Stagedoor English Setters. The latest was CH Stagedoor Rock It Man, the number one English Setter for 2006 and 2007. Among his most prestigious wins was Best in Show at the 2007 World Show in Mexico.

In addition to the previously mentioned Lilian Ostermiller, other breeders recognized by the AKC for 2008 are:

Kathy and Julie Jones

2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Hound Group

In the Hound Group the winners are Kathy and Julie Jones, aka "The Basenji Sisters", of Reseda CA, who established their Jasiri – Sukari Basenjis in 1983. To date, they have bred 74 AKC champions and have champions in seven countries who have won BIS in four countries.

Miriam Stamm2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Terrier Group

In the Terrier Group the award went to Miriam Stamm of Kalamazoo MI, of Anstamm Scottish Terriers, the oldest Scottish Terrier Kennel in the US. The first Anstamm champion was produced a remarkable 60 years ago, Anstamm Scotties include the top Scottish Terrier sire in history, CH Anstamm Happy Venture, who has 90 champion offspring to his credit.

Luke and Diane Ehricht2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Toy Group

In the Toy Group, Luke and Diane Ehricht of Monclova OH were recognized. Although Luke and Diane had separately owned Shih Tzus since the mid 1970s, they didn’t establish Hallmark Jolei brand until their marriage in 1992. A Hallmark Jolei has been AKC’s number one Shih Tzu for each of the last five years, including 2008’s number one Shih Tzu, CH Hallmark Jolei Surfer Girl.

Eleanor and Bob Candland2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Non-Sporting Group

The Non-Sporting Group winners are Eleanor and Bob Candland of Lake Elsinore CA. The authors of the ubiquitous book, A New Owner’s Guide to Boston Terriers, have operated El-Bo Boston Terriers since the mid-1960s, producing over 100 champions, including the top Boston Terrier in history, CH El Bo Rudy Is A Dandy.

James and Sheree Moses2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Herding Group

In the Herding Group, the AKC recognized James and Sheree Moses of Carrollton GA. James Moses is the most recognized face in German Shepherds, winning over 1000 total BIS including 201 by CH Covy Tucker Hill's Manhattan, the 1987 Westminster BIS winner. Jim and Sheree, as Kaleef German Shepherd Dogs, are the breeders/owners of the top-producing dam in the history of the breed, Kaleef's Valle ROM.

We all owe our gratitude to these remarkable people who have given our beloved sport so much. They have our admiration and thanks for giving us some of the best dogs we have ever seen.

“Billy, I am really concerned about the Peta supported Obama appointee. I know you worked in Gov't.I live in Nashville and wondered if you could suggest a starting point to complain to.”

Another blogger I follow is Robin of THE ENDANGERED OWNER. She devotes her entire blog to protecting our rights to keep dogs as pets. She does an excellent job of laying out the case against the threat that the animal rights extremists represent. She has a lot of detailed information about Obama appointees for Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of the Interior, and Head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Tom Vilsack, Ken Salazar, and Lisa Jackson, are all supported by the insidious Humane Society of the United States.

Harp Seal Pup

HSUS Poster Child

Just two days ago, I had written Robin about my strategy for dealing with this. I had intended to wait until that leisure time between Christmas and New Year’s Day to share that with all of you in hopes of gaining maximum attention and, frankly, to take a little more time to gather my thoughts about the best way to attack this. However, Deb and Robin have kind of given me a sense of urgency here.

First, every dog lover needs to wake up and educate themselves about the threat these people represent to our way of life. Make no mistake, the intent is to deprive you of the right to keep pets. Robin’s blog is an excellent place to begin your education. The AKC’s legislative column on it’s website does a good job of posting alerts on pending legislation.

Second, develop a focus. Turn the Animal Rights tactics back on them. Believe me SAVE THE FAMILY DOG is much more compelling than SAVE THE WHALES.

My personal strategy is the preservation of rare breeds. Our elected officials need to understand the connection between restrictions on hobby breeders and the impending extinction of rare breeds. I am going to make the American Foxhound, the breed developed by George Washington, the poster child for our right to breed pure bred dogs. I want to see if Vilsak has the nerve to tell the US Senate that he’s OK with loosing this iconic symbol of the beginning of our nation. I also think that there’s got to be at least one Senator out there who grew up hunting with a rare breed. Find just one guy who had a gun dog sleep on the foot of his bed and you have an advocate that will go to the mat for us.

Another strategy that’s worth pursuing is the economic one. There’s two parts to this one. Restrictions on breeders will cause people to lose jobs and it costs money to enforce these types of laws. It’s not as compelling to us dog owners, but it resonates with elected officials who are don’t want to be seen as focusing on minor problems (that’s us) in these tough economic times. What you gonna do? Save the auto workers’ jobs or confiscate the family pet?

Third, share your anger with everyone. Boil down your argument to a single succinct paragraph and then send it to every government official you can think of. As Deb mentioned, I am a former Congressional Liaison with experience lobbying for the rights of dog and cat owners. Elected officials in the US really do listen to their constituents and the website, CONGRESS.ORG makes it really easy to contact them. However, don’t limit your contacts to a single website accessed from your armchair. Share your frustration with the members of your church, your coworkers, your hairdresser, or anyone else that likes to gossip. I’m serious here. In political circles, it’s called “grassroots”. Remember, you want to leave people with a visual image similar that of the baby seal in the snow that the HSUS used so effectively. Find me a photo of a little boy crying over his lost dog or a little old lady in a rocking chair with a dog in her lap. I want every person that ever shared their home with a dog to fear these animal rights people the way a parent fears pedophiles.

Honestly, I think our chances of stopping these appointments are slim to nil. However, by expressing our concerns we are putting our elected officials on notice that we are watching them and even though the elections are over, they are still nervous about holding on to their jobs.

Now go tell the girl at the check out counter that these guys are trying to take your dog away from you.

Lost in the press releases proclaiming the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, the 2008 Eukanuba National Champion, was this fact. Michael Scott was not the only member of the family that won a 2008 top award. Michael’s mother-in-law, Lilian Ostermiller, was named AKC 2008 Breeder of the Year (Working Group). Mrs. Ostermiller, a native of Switzerland, has been raising Bernese Mountain Dogs under the De-Li kennel name for over 20 years. She has produced 50 champions, multiple BIS and specialty winners, but without a doubt her most successful production, is her daughter, Michelle, Michael’s wife. As taken as we are by Michael's and Michelle’s in-the-ring accomplishments, we are savvy enough to know that this sport is built on the foundation of breeders like Lilian. Congratulations to Lilian Ostermiller for the recognition of a lifetime of contributions to the sport of pure bred dogs.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A reader has advised us that the numbers for the San Mateo shows are out. These are entries and rankings are based on dogs actually showing, but the numbers are interesting. Our quick review confirms our suspicion, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, must win three of the four shows to catch the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry. We're assuming, of course that the Pointer, Holly, will at least place in all of the groups. Here are the numbers:

We have it from a very, very reliable source, the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, will be in San Mateo 27-30 December. It has come down to the last four shows of the year. In past years, these shows would have been post script, alternatives to Hollywood’s Christmas releases. However, this year a national title is on the line. Starting on Saturday, 27 December with the Kennel Club of Salinas all eyes will focus on San Mateo CA just south of San Francisco. Three additional shows, hosted by San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Oakland Kennel Clubs will follow at the same local.

CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry

San Mateo is home to some of the priciest real estate and oldest money in California. (the iconic mansion featured on the old night time soap, Dynasty, is there) There is also a delicious irony in the location. San Mateo is also the site of one of PETA’s earliest major victories, a 1990 campaign to pass a draconian spay-neuter law. Read here about how that ordinance has been an abject failure. But enough soapbox.

Filoli aka The Carrington Mansion on Dynasty

These four shows should draw substantial entries, with the Saturday and Sunday shows hitting around 1500 competing. It is the first time for the Monday and Tuesday shows, but we predict that there will be at least 1000 dogs present. OK, I’m going to step into this phone booth for a moment an emerge as…Numbers Man, able to generate multiple spreadsheets and color charts & graphs, in a single key stroke, so pay close attention.

CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit and handler Taffe McFadden

Our number one and number two dogs have amassed a staggering number of points this year. The Pointer, Holly, and the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, each have over 115,000 points. To illustrate how dominant these two have been, last year’s number one dog, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Win A Victory, finished the year with 95,534 points. Currently we have the Holly in the lead by a scant 1500 points. We estimate that 5,000 points are up for grabs in the four San Mateo shows. At first glance, it would seem that the Giant Schnauzer, Spirit, would need to win three of the fours shows to regain first place. However, based on average entries, Group wins in the Working Group are worth more points than wins in the Sporting Group. Last year’s Working Group winner was awarded 297 points at the San Mateo KC show. The Sporting Group winner got 250. That means that Spirit could win the two larger shows and groups at the smaller shows and still win depending on the size of the working group entries, but it would be close…very, very close.

San Mateo Expo Center

Site of 2008's Last Four Shows

When I get access to actual entries numbers, in about a week, we will look at this again. In the meantime, we have something to look forward to other than Aunt Edna’s fruit cake.

We just got this “anonymous” comment in and we thought we would share it prominently with all of you.

“In my opinion, you really shouldn't be calling Holly the #1 dog since, according to all the official counts, Spirit is still #1. When the official stats come out, then you have a point. But the race is still on my friends, and to call Holly #1 when she technically isn't, is kind of being rude to the hard effort Taffe McFadden has done to retain that position.”

Well, we have said from the beginning, that these numbers are our numbers and ours alone. We will make these observations:

Nothing we have posted should be construed as diminishing the efforts of the dedicated and hard working people behind any of these dogs. Having shown against them in the 1980s, we have the greatest respect for Taffe and Bill McFadden and what they have brought to this sport to which these pages are dedicated. We applaud them and all the other hard working pros that handle the dogs we promote here. We have been around this sport long enough to know what it takes to campaign a dog at this level. Make no mistake, we started this blog to pay homage to all AKC dog breeders, owners, handlers, and lovers.

We’re not sure what Anonymous means by “official” or “technically”, but we do know this, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has defeated more dogs that CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit has this year and we think that everyone in the game appreciates knowing that as soon as possible. If those competing waited for the “official” results it would be too late to do anything about it.

OK, I’ve inundated you with hard core show reporting. It’s now time for some seasonal fun. I’ve already bought the gifts for my wife, daughter, granddaughter, and mother. Now it’s time to focus on the dogs. Oh, yes, we’re serious here. While I do not have a stocking hanging from the mantle, our four dogs do, red stockings for the girls, Fannie and Dee Dee, and green ones for the boys, Bernie and Scooter.

As you have probably surmised, I pretty much never leave my computer. Therefore, I do most of my shopping on line. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for doggie gifts.

The Dolce Vita Oval Cushion Heated Dog Bed (available on Amazon) provides a warm, snuggly place for your dog that he might prefer over your side of the bed.

Easy Step Dog Steps (from Posh Pet Glamor Boutique) help the older or smaller dog gain easy access to your bed, sofa, or any other place that your wife wants to keep him off.

GoDogGo Automatic Fetch System (BuyGoDogGo.Com) is for the lazy dog owner that has an active dog. This ingenious device allows your dog to fetch and return while you read my blog.

Party Animal Organic Gourmet Dog Food (PartyAnimalPetFood.Com) is a total extravagance as evidenced by its endorsement by Paris Hilton, but you can’t beat it for sheer indulgence except with the following.

The Amour Amour Diamond Dog Collar (I Love Dogs Diamonds) is a one-of-a-kind, 52-carat diamond dog collar that features over 1600 hand-set diamonds in a chandelier design that includes a 7-carat, D-IF, brilliant-shape centerpiece diamond. While you have to call for a price, I’ve been told that it is $1.8M. Know any Affenpinshcer owners that might be interested?

Monday, December 15, 2008

“Déjà vu” was the perfect term for the Terrier Group winner at the Eukanuba National Championship. The Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Povire, from the French speaking city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada is the litter brother of last year’s BIS winner, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice. “Merci”, the number one dog in Canada, is another great Sealie from Frances Bergeron, who made the unlikely switch from Great Danes to Sealyham Terrier 30 years ago. If two BIS Sealies from one litter isn’t impressive enough, consider this, CH Efbe’s Seabiscuit, another litter brother, is also a multiple BIS winner.

As a former Sealie owner, I am eternally thankful to Frances for helping to keep this rare breed in the public eye. Remember to tell your elected officials to protect the rigths of the endangered species we keep in our homes.

Conspicuously absent from yesterday’s Eukanuba National Championship was the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit. Spirit and handler Taffe McFadden were in Long Beach CA on Friday for the Long Beach Kennel Club show, the last of a week long group of warm up shows before the Eukanuba event.

CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry

This show turned out to be the most competitive and dramatic show this year since Westminster. For the first time in recent history, six of the finalists were the top ranked dog in their respective groups. Number One Sporting Dog, the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, Number One Working Dog, Spirit, Number One Terrier, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice, Number One Toy Dog, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, Number One Non-Sporting Dog, the Standard Poodle,CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, and the Number One Herding Dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry Vanity Fair, all stood for examination for lucky BIS Judge Virginia Lyne. In one of the few meetings between the top two dogs, Spirit prevailed.

CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit and handler Taffe McFadden

It what at first seemed a clever bit of strategy, Spirit and Taffe jetted off to Bethlehem PA to pick up a BIS Saturday at the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club Show. The split format of the Eukanuba show forced participants to forgo one day of showing in order to participate. Spirit and Taffe hoped to take advantage of the Pointer’s situation to pick up enough points to regain the lead in the national rankings. However, a winter storm paralyzed the Northeast this weekend, causing many flights to be cancelled and Taffe and Spirit ended up staying in Bethlehem to compete Sunday at the Delaware Water Gap Kennel Club show. We don’t know if they planned to be back in California for Sunday’s Eukanuba judging, but sitting at the airport with a group one rosette in your luggage after watching the Irish Setter, CH Beaubriar Premier Event, take BIS, must have been a let down.

CH Beaubriar Premier Event

There are only four shows left his year for Spirit to gather points in an attempt to overtake Holly in the race for the national title. Those four shows, sponsored by the kennel clubs of Salinas, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Oakland, are all in San Mateo in Northern California, right in Spirit’s backyard. If Holly, who is based on the East Coast, sits out these shows, she could forfeit the title.

This past two weeks have been one thrilling roller coaster ride leading up to last night’s Best In Show final at the Eukanuba National Championship. After eight local shows leading up to the big dance, all of dogdom was whipped into a frenzy of anticipation. In the end, the country’s number one dog, the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, was crowned National Champion by Judge Dr. Robert D. Smith. Our hearty congratulations to breeders Cheryl S. LaDuc, A Cantor, A Walker, owners Sean & Tammy McCarthy, Helyne E. Medeiros, and handler, Michael Scott, with special thanks for giving us thrill after thrill this year.

CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry

In a bit of anticlimax, the number two dog, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, failed to make it back to the west coast after jetting off to pick up a BIS at the Lehigh Valley Kennel Clunb show in Bethlehem on Saturday. We still do not know if Spirit’s absence was intentional or victim of the vagaries of air travel. Nonetheless, there was plenty of drama for all who did make it to Sunday. The nation’s number two Toy Dog, the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade, had to fight his way out of a group that included AKC’s top three Toys.

CH Efbe Merci Pour Le Poivre

The Terrier Group winner, was a Sealyham Terrier, from the same breeder as last year’s Best In Show winner, the country‘s current top Terrier, CH Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice. CH Efbe Merci Pour Le Poivre bested the country’s second best Terrier, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot to get to the final. The final seven included five of the country’s top ten dogs. In addition to Holly and Lincoln, the final included, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Jaraluv Ouija, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry Vanity Fair. The Alaskan Malamute, CH Silverice’s Dancing In The Dark, rounded out the seven.

Our thanks to all of you who contributed reports, helped us correct our errors, and who just dropped by to read our posts. Our readership was up threefold this week! While Holly and her team may be celebrating tonight, we are all winners because we get to participate in the wonderful world of AKC dog shows.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry Vanity Fair, has won the Herding Group at the Eukanuba National Championship. Carly was bred by B Shelton S Leverly B Williams L weissNolchek, and owned by D Salow K Kirtley K Foist B Shelton. The Puli, CH Lajosmegyi Singin’ In The Rain was second, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, was third and the Briard, CH K’Instant Succes Moravia Campanella, was fourth.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

To complete the working group, the Akita, CH Mojo’s Rock’n Your World, was second, the Newfoundland, CH Fleur De Lis Platinum Grandeur, was third, and the Tibetan Mastiff, CH Shanghai’s Sachi, was fourth

TJ was first in with the news of a major upset in the Terrier Group. The Sealyham Terrier (No, not that one), CH Efbe Merci Pour Le Poivre has won the Terrier Group. This new comer hails from the same kennel as his more famous relative. Congratulations to Frances Bergeron on another great Terrier and congratulations to owners June & Tom Fraser. Anyone know who is handling this dog?

The country’s number two Terrier, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, was second, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet ST Fenway Fan was third, and the English importm the White Bull Terrier, CH Action Chaos And Charisma, was fourth

TJ tells us that the Alaskan Malmute, CH Silverice’s Dancing In The Dark, has just won the Working Group at the Eukanuba National Champiionship. Congratulations to owner Alisa Syar, and her co-breeder Michelle Ing DVM

We have a correction from today’s Best of Breed listings. The Breed winner in Standard Schnauzers was CH Charisma Utopia Von Rocky bred by Constance C Adel, owned by Robert & Lois Ann Bedford. We had previously reported the Bred By Winner as the Best of Breed Winner. Our apologies and congratulations to all associated with this beautiful animal

While we are waiting for the group judging to finish at the Eukanuba National Championship, we have this from Cleveland OH. The Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, returned to the show ring today, and along with yesterday’s BIS winner, the Pekingese, CH Pequest Match Point, tried to impress Judge Frank Sabella. Also in the final seven were the Clumber Spaniel, CH Monarch Standndeliver Invergrdn, the Boxer, CH Dramatic Story of Sherry Shot JP, the Dandie Dinmont, CH King’s Mtn. Minnie Mouse, the Tibetan Terrier, Bluvali Brouhaha, and the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field of Dreams. And it was the Puli sweeping the field (I was going for a mop metaphor, but I just couldn’t get it in).

The breed results have just been posted for the Giant Schnauzers at today's Eukanuba National Championship. Best of Breed went to CH Tanglewood‘s Bocephus, bred by Ed Fojtik & Paul Mihailides and owned by Robert Domas & B Deloian & J Erath & E Fojtk. No mention of CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit. As we reported yesterday, Spirit and Taffee McFadden had flown back to Bethlehem PA and picked up a BIS.

Was Spirit's absence intended or was there a problem getting back in time for today's judging? We don't know, but we, like dog fanciers everywhere, are disappointed that the world will not see the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, and Spirit go head to head at tonight's final.

NUMBER NINE

NUMBER TEN

SHOW INFO

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The author has been attending dog shows as a spectator and exhibitor for over 45 years. He is a retired management consultant who has advised multiple organizations affiliated with the AKC and the Cat Fanciers Association on business management, long range planning, customer service, and legislative matters. After 25 years of living in the big cities of New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, he now resides in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

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We love to get e-mail from our readers. Send us your show reports, photos of your wins, and any other interesting tidbits you want to share with our readers. E-mail us at bill38112@aol.com